U.S. patent number 8,132,790 [Application Number 12/583,903] was granted by the patent office on 2012-03-13 for impact load deflector sleeve and removable collar assembly for cable and post protection.
Invention is credited to Nien-Yin Chang, Charles Russel Cox.
United States Patent |
8,132,790 |
Cox , et al. |
March 13, 2012 |
Impact load deflector sleeve and removable collar assembly for
cable and post protection
Abstract
A guard system for protecting cables or posts from damage by
falling rocks and other dynamic forces is provided. The guard
assembly comprises a first sleeve rotatably positionable about one
of the cables or the posts and a second sleeve rotatably
positionable about the cable or the post. A removable collar
assembly is positioned between the first sleeve and the second
sleeve for maintaining the spacing between the first sleeve and the
second sleeve with the removable collar assembly comprising a first
removable collar and a second removable collar. The first removable
collar has a first slot for receiving the cable or post and the
second removable collar has a second slot for receiving the cable
or post with the first slot extending from a perimeter of the first
removable collar to a point past a center point of the first
removable collar and the second slot extending from a perimeter of
the second removable collar to a point past a center point of the
second removable collar. The first sleeve is free from any overlap
and connection with the removable collar assembly and the second
sleeve is free from any overlap and connection with the removable
collar assembly. The first sleeve, the second sleeve, and the
removable collar assembly are independently rotatable from each
other.
Inventors: |
Cox; Charles Russel (Englewood,
CO), Chang; Nien-Yin (Englewood, CO) |
Family
ID: |
41430275 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/583,903 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2009 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20090315007 A1 |
Dec 24, 2009 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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11261175 |
Oct 28, 2005 |
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10976201 |
Oct 28, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
256/1;
52/147 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F
7/045 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E04H
12/20 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;256/1,11,12,12.5,13.1
;52/147 ;174/136 ;405/302.7 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Kennedy; Joshua
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Tracy; Emery L.
Parent Case Text
The present application is a continuation-in-part of patent
application Ser. No. 11/261,175, filed on Oct. 28, 2005 now
abandoned, entitled "Impact Load Deflector Sleeve and Removable
Collar Assembly for Cable and Post Protection", which is a
continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 10/976,201,
filed on Oct. 28, 2004, entitled "CNC Impact Load Deflector Sleeve
and Removable Collar for Cable and Post Protection", now abandoned.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A guard system for protecting a cable or a post from damage by
falling rocks and other dynamic forces, the guard system
comprising: a first sleeve rotatably positionable about the cable
or the post; a second sleeve rotatably positionable about the cable
or the post; and a removable collar assembly positioned between the
first sleeve and the second sleeve for maintaining the spacing
between the first sleeve and the second sleeve, the removable
collar assembly comprising a first removable collar and a second
removable collar, each removable collar has a first aperture and a
second aperture; wherein the first removable collar has a first
slot for receiving the cable or the post and the second removable
collar has a second slot for receiving the cable or the post, the
first slot extending from a perimeter of the first removable collar
to a point past a center point of the first removable collar, the
second slot extending from a perimeter of the second removable
collar to a point past a center point of the second removable
collar; wherein the first removable collar is positioned against
the second removable collar such that the slot of the first
removable collar is substantially opposite the slot of the second
removable collar, the first aperture of the first removable collar
is substantially aligned with the second aperture of the second
removable collar, and the second aperture of the first removable
collar is substantially aligned with the first aperture of the
second removable collar; fastening means inserted through the first
and second apertures of the first and second removable collars for
releasably securing the first removable collar to the second
removable collar; wherein the first sleeve is free from connection
with the removable collar assembly; wherein the second sleeve is
free from connection with the removable collar assembly; and
wherein the first sleeve, the second sleeve, and the removable
collar assembly are independently rotatable from each other.
2. The guard system of claim 1 wherein a diameter of the first
sleeve is less than a diameter of the second sleeve.
3. The guard system of claim 1 wherein the first sleeve has an
inner edge contactable with the cable, the inner edge being beveled
on both ends of the first sleeve.
4. The guard system of claim 1 and further comprising: a plurality
of first sleeves; and at least one washer between each adjacent
first sleeve.
5. The guard system of claim 1 wherein the first sleeve and the
second sleeve are free from any slots.
6. A guard system for protecting a cable from damage by falling
rocks and other dynamic forces, the guard system comprising: at
least one first sleeve rotatably positionable about the cable; a
second sleeve rotatably positionable about the cable; a first
removable collar positioned about the cable and between the first
sleeve and the second sleeve; a second removable collar releasably
secured to the first removable collar; a slot formed in each
removable collar, the slot extending from a perimeter of the
removable collar to a point past a center point, the slot adapted
for receiving the cable; a first aperture and a second aperture
formed in each removable collar on opposite sides of the slot;
fastening means inserted through the first and second apertures of
the first and second removable collars for releasably securing the
first removable collar to the second removable collar; wherein the
slot of the first removable collar is substantially opposite the
slot of the second removable collar, the first aperture of the
first removable collar is substantially aligned with the second
aperture of the second removable collar, and the second aperture of
the first removable collar is substantially aligned with the first
aperture of the second removable collar; wherein the first sleeve
is free from connection with the removable collar; wherein the
second sleeve is free from connection with the removable collar;
and wherein the first sleeve, the second sleeve, and the removable
collar are independently rotatable from each other.
7. The guard system of claim 6 wherein the diameter of the first
sleeve is less than the diameter of the second sleeve.
8. The guard system of claim 6 wherein the first sleeve and the
second sleeve are free from any slots.
9. The guard system of claim 6 wherein the first sleeve has an
inside edge contactable with the cable, the inside edge being
beveled.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to an apparatus for the protection
of cables and posts (or columns) against the dynamic loads from
rolling stones, vehicular impact, ice impact or other forms of
transient loads and, more particularly, the invention relates to a
CNC impact load deflector sleeve and removable collar installable
on the cable holding the fence post, which, in turn, stretches rock
fall drape net, which constitutes a rock fall mitigation fence
system (RFMFS).
2. Description of the Prior Art
A rock fall mitigation fence (RFMF) is frequently used to protect
the traveling vehicles against potential hazards of falling rocks.
The fence system is composed of the fence cable, fence posts, and
rock fall drape net resting on the cable, which, in turn, is
stretched and supported on the fence posts and cable anchors. The
fence posts are embedded in rock and the cable is connected to the
ground anchor embedded in rock. The RFMFS functions as a flexible
fence system for retaining falling rocks by dissipating their
dynamic energy during the back and forth swing upon rock impact.
The mass of falling rocks varies a great deal. It can range from a
few hundred pounds to many tons.
When falling from the hill/mountain top or slope, a falling rock
gains momentum as it rolls down the slope. When it comes in contact
with a RFMFS, the rock rotates at an extremely high angular
velocity, can sever fence-supporting cables, and knocks out or
severely bends fence posts, cuts anything it touches. The failure
of the RFMFS allows the falling rocks to land on the highway or, in
some cases, on top of a moving vehicle, as demonstrated in the rock
fall in Georgetown, Colo. on Apr. 8, 2004. To date the only
mechanism for the failure prevention of the RFMFS is to use
stronger nets, cables and posts. The literature search including
the search on the US Patent and Trademark web site and the
communication with fence installers did not reveal any other fence
cable or post protection apparatuses as the CNC Impact Load
Deflector Sleeve (CNC//ILDS) and Removable Collar (RC) submitted in
this invention that deflect the moving rocks and impact force, and,
thereby, reduce the chance of cable and post failures. Accordingly
there exists a need for a mechanism for deflecting falling rocks
and impact force, reducing the chance of fence failure and
enhancing the safety of the traveling public.
SUMMARY
The present invention is a guard system for protecting cables or
posts from damage by falling rocks and other dynamic forces. The
guard assembly comprises a first sleeve rotatably positionable
about one of the cables or the posts and a second sleeve rotatably
positionable about the cable or the post. A removable collar
assembly is positioned between the first sleeve and the second
sleeve for maintaining the spacing between the first sleeve and the
second sleeve with the removable collar assembly comprising a first
removable collar and a second removable collar. The first removable
collar has a first slot for receiving the cable or post and the
second removable collar has a second slot for receiving the cable
or post with the first slot extending from a perimeter of the first
removable collar to a point past a center point of the first
removable collar and the second slot extending from a perimeter of
the second removable collar to a point past a center point of the
second removable collar. The first sleeve is free from any overlap
and connection with the removable collar assembly and the second
sleeve is free from any overlap and connection with the removable
collar assembly. The first sleeve, the second sleeve, and the
removable collar assembly are independently rotatable from each
other.
In addition, the present invention includes a method for protecting
cables and posts from damage by falling rocks and other dynamic
forces. The method comprises providing at least one first sleeve
cut to a desired length, positioning each first sleeve over the
cable, inserting a holding screw through an aperture on a last
first sleeve positioned on the cable until the holding screw
contacts the cable, providing a second sleeve having an inside
diameter greater than an outside diameter of the first sleeve,
positioning the second sleeve over the first sleeves, tensioning
the cable, securing an end of the cable, sliding the second sleeve
over the end, positioning a removable collar assembly between the
first sleeve and the second sleeve, maintaining the first sleeve
and the second sleeve from overlapping the removable collar and
each other, maintaining the first sleeve and the second sleeve from
connection with each other, removing the holding screws from the
last first sleeve, and rotating the first sleeve, the second
sleeve, and the removable collar assembly independently from each
other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating an impact load deflector
sleeve and removable collar assembly for cable and post protection,
constructed in accordance with the present invention, prior to a
large sleeve being positioned over the looped cable;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating an impact load deflector
sleeve and removable collar assembly for cable and post protection,
constructed in accordance with the present invention, subsequent to
the large sleeve being positioned over the looped cable;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating a pair of constructed
removable collars of the impact load deflector sleeve and removable
collar assembly for cable and post protection, constructed in
accordance with the present invention, with the removable collars
bolted together;
FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the pair of constructed
removable collars of the impact load deflector sleeve and removable
collar assembly for cable and post protection, constructed in
accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating a single removable collar of the
impact load deflector sleeve and removable collar assembly for
cable and post protection, constructed in accordance with the
present invention;
FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating the pair of constructed removable
collars of the impact load deflector sleeve and removable collar
assembly for cable and post protection, constructed in accordance
with the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating the impact load deflector
sleeve and removable collar assembly for cable and post protection,
constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the
small sleeve having a beveled inner edge;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating the impact load deflector
sleeve and removable collar assembly for cable and post protection,
constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the
sleeve positioned over a post; and
FIG. 9 is a top plan view illustrating the impact load deflector
sleeve and removable collar assembly for cable and post protection,
constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the
sleeve positioned over a post.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention is an impact
load deflector sleeve and removable collar assembly, indicated
generally at 10, for cable 12 and post 13 protection. It should be
noted that the post 13 can be I-shaped, H-shaped, or an I-beam and
is not limited by the description or drawings.
The impact load deflector assembly 10 of the present invention
includes a plurality of small sleeves 14, a large sleeve 16, a
plurality of washers 18 between each adjacent small sleeve 14, and
a removable collar assembly 20 positioned between one of the small
sleeves 14 and the large sleeve 16. The collar assembly 20 can also
be positioned between adjacent large sleeves 16. Furthermore, as
will be described in further detail below, there can be a plurality
of small sleeves 14 and/or a plurality of large sleeves 16 and the
number of sleeves 14, 16 is not limited by the drawings and
description herein.
The impact load deflector assembly 10 of the present invention
allows the small sleeves 14 and the large sleeve 16 to deflect a
rolling rock or other dynamic force upon contact and, thereby,
reduces the failure potential of the fence cable 12. It should be
noted that the washers 18 can be any desired diameter including
having a diameter larger than the diameter of the small sleeves 14,
having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the large sleeves
16, and having a diameter larger than the diameter of the large
sleeves 16.
The small sleeves 14 and the large sleeve 16 are preferably a
cylindrical tube of any appropriate material made to loosely
embrace a cable or a post to allow its near frictionless rotation
about the cable or post. The length of the small sleeves 14 and the
large sleeve 16 are determined by the field conditions present at
the cable installation site and the desires of the construction
team.
FIGS. 3-7 illustrate the removable collar assembly 20 of the impact
load deflector assembly 10 of the present invention. The removable
collar assembly 20 can be easily installed and removed from the
cable 12 for easy construction and repair. The removable collar
assembly 20 is positioned between two different-size sleeves to
prevent the smaller sleeve 14 from sliding or slipping into the
large sleeve 16.
The removable collar assembly preferably includes a first removable
collar 22 and a second removable collar 24. Each removable collar
22, 24 has a substantially circular cross-sectional configuration
with a slot 26 formed therein extending from a perimeter of the
removable collar 22, 24 to a point past a center point. In
addition, each removable collar 22, 24 has a first aperture 28 and
a second aperture 30 for receiving a bolt 32 or other releasable
fastening mechanism.
To assemble or construct the removable collar assembly 20 for use
with the impact load deflector assembly 10 of the present
invention, first, the cable 12 or post is inserted into the slot 26
on the first removable collar 22. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the
second removable collar 24 is positioned about the cable 12 or post
such that the slots 26 of each removable collar 22, 24 are opposite
each other. A first bolt 32 is inserted into the first aperture 28
of the first removable collar 22 and the second aperture 30 of the
second removable collar 24 and a second bolt 32 is inserted into
the second aperture 30 of the first removable collar 22 and the
first aperture 28 of the second removable collar 24. A nut 34 or
other tightening mechanism is releasably secured to each of the
bolts 32 to maintain the first removable collar 22 to the second
removable collar 24. Further construction of the impact load
deflector assembly 10 will be discussed below.
The load impact deflector assembly 10 of the present invention
reduces the impact load effect on both cables 12 and fence posts by
deflecting the falling rocks upon contact. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate
the load impact deflector assembly 10 installed about the cable 12.
The small sleeves 14 and large sleeve 16 are preferably cylindrical
and constructed from an appropriate material (e.g., steel) and have
an appropriate diameter, length, and thickness for embracing a
cable 12 or post with a clearance for near frictionless rotation.
The thickness and material type of the sleeves 14, 16 are
preferably selected to provide sufficient strength to prevent the
puncture by the rolling rocks. The washers 18 can be positioned
between adjacent small sleeves 14 to maintain the spacing of the
small sleeves 14 and inhibit contact between adjacent small sleeves
14.
Upon contacting any high-speed rolling rock, the load impact
deflector assembly 10 rotates nearly frictionless about the cable
12 and, thereby, avoids cable cut. It should be noted that the
sleeves 14, 16 and removable collars 22, 24 can be constructed from
any material deemed corrosion resistant, and sufficiently strong
against the destructive force of rolling stones, wind, vehicular
impact, or any other forms of impact force. In addition to the
above, the small sleeves 14 of the load impact deflector assembly
10 have a beveled inner edge. Preferably, the bevel is at a
forty-five (45.degree.) degree angle and is beveled to one-half the
thickness of the wall of the small sleeve 14. The purpose of the
bevel is that if the small sleeves 14 are hit in such a manner that
they deflect at a sharp angle, the edge of the sleeve 14 will not
cut into the cable 12.
To mitigate the failure potential of a rock fall mitigation fence
system, the sleeves 14, 16 of the load impact deflector assembly 10
can be installed along the entire length of the cable 12 and/or the
post. The functionality of the load impact deflector assembly 10 is
explained as follows: The load impact deflector assembly 10 rotates
nearly freely around the cable 12 and post that they are
protecting. Upon contacting a sleeve 14, 16, the impact force from
a rolling rock or any other impact sources, causes the sleeves 14,
16 to rotate. The action of sleeve rotation deflects the impact
force and rock. The deflection of the impact force reduces the
damage potential of the cable 12 and post. The removable collar
assembly 20 is preferably installed between a small sleeve 14 at
the lowest point of the cable 12 and a large sleeve 16 for
protecting the connection just above the ground anchor and the
small sleeve 14 for protecting the cable 12 right above the cable
connection.
The construction of the load impact deflector assembly 10 of the
present invention will now be discussed. As understood by those
persons skilled in the art, the following description is just one
manner of constructing the load impact deflector assembly 10.
Before the load impact deflector assembly 10 installation, the
fence, fence post, cable anchors, and fence supporting cable are
installed by a qualified fence installer. At this time the cable
where the sleeves are to be installed is loose. The procedure for
the load impact deflector assembly 10 sleeve installation is
specified as follows: 1. First, the small sleeves 14 cut to a
desired length according to field conditions are positioned over
the cable 12 or post with a washer 18 between each adjacent small
sleeve 14. Slide a washer 18 onto the cable 12. 2. Slide a small
sleeve 14 onto the cable 12. 3. Slide on another washer 18 followed
by another small sleeve 14. 4. Repeat the above until the desired
portion of the cable 14 is covered with small sleeves 14. The
number of small sleeves 14 and washers 18 are dependent on the
length of the cable 12 or post. 5. The last small sleeve 14
installed on the cable 12 is the sleeve 14 with the temporary
assembly holding bolt 36 (this small sleeve 14 is cut to length to
fit the length of cable 12 as needed) and the bolt 36 is tightened
to the cable 12. Note: the bolt 36 is removed at the end of the
installation procedure and discarded. It is imperative that the
bolt be removed as to facilitate the last small sleeve 14 to rotate
as required when impacted with a load. 6. Wrap the cable 12 around
a cable anchor 13. 7. After the last small sleeve 14 is temporarily
fixed in place with the temporary assembly holding bolt 36, a
sufficient number of large sleeves 16 are installed around the
small sleeves 12. The large sleeves 16 can be hooked behind the
temporary assembly holding bolt 36 hold them in place while the
cable 12 is tensioned and clamped. 8. Tension the cable 12 to the
manufactures recommended tension and clamp the cable 12 with cable
clamps 14 to hold the cable in tension. Note: The tension is used
to support the fence posts and fence. 9. Slide the large sleeves 16
down to cover the wrapped around and clamped part of the cable 12.
10. Install the first removable collar 22 between the last small
sleeve 14 and the first large sleeve 16. Position the removable
collar 22 such that the first removable collar 22 with the welded
nuts 34 is positioned inside the large sleeve 16 and the cable 12
centered in the slot 26. Then, the second removable collar 24 is
fitted onto the bottom part of the first removable collar 22 with
the cable 12 centered and the slot 26 opening in the opposite
direction with respect to the first removable collar 22. The bolts
32 are inserted through the two pairs of matching holes 28, 30 on
the removable collars 22, 24 and bolts 32 tightened. Now the cable
12 is centered in the hole formed by the two removable collars 22,
24. 11. The temporary assembly holding bolt 36 is now removed and
discarded. 12. The installation procedure is now complete.
When any sleeve 14, 16 is damaged or the fence repairs require the
removal of the sleeves 14, 16, the following procedures are to be
followed: 1. Obtain the proper size bolt 36 for the temporary
assembly holding bolt 36, install it in the last small sleeve 14,
and tighten it to the cable 12. 2. Remove the removable collars 22,
24. 3. Slide the large sleeves 16 over the small sleeves 16 and
rest them on the temporary assembly holding bolt 36. The cable
clamps 40 are now exposed. 4. Loosen the cable clamps 40 and remove
the cable 12 from the cable anchor 13. Now, the cable is
untensioned. 5. Remove the large sleeves 16. 6. Loosen the
temporary assembly holding bolt 36 and remove the small sleeves 14
and washers 18. 7. Remove all damaged sleeves 14, 16 and repair the
fence, if necessary. 8. Replace all damaged sleeves 14, 16 with new
ones and follow the installation procedures reinstall all the
sleeves 14, 16 and associated part, tension the cable 12 to
manufactures specifications.
The removable collar assembly 20 of the impact load deflector
assembly 10 inhibits the small sleeve 14 from slipping into the
large sleeve 16. The fence system has to be structurally designed.
Many instances of fence failures showed that the falling rocks
severed the cables 12, and uprooted or severely bent the fence
post. The failure of a rock fall mitigation fence system imposes a
safety risk of traveling motorists from falling rocks as
demonstrated in the recent rock fall event along Interstate Highway
I 70 near Georgetown, Colo. on Apr. 8, 2004. To reduce the risk of
failure of a rock fall mitigation fence system, the fence cable
needs to be protected from the cut by the large falling rock and
the sleeve in the present invention provides such protection. In an
event of need for sleeve replacement, the removable collar assembly
20 enhances the constructability because it can be easily opened
and removed, the large sleeve 16 slips over the small sleeve 14 and
cable 12 unbolted to allow sleeve 14, 16 removal and repair.
Besides, the impact force from falling rocks, the sleeves 14, 16
and removable collar assembly 20 of the impact load deflector
assembly 10 of the present invention also provide a means of
deflecting impact (or dynamic) forces, like those from vehicular
impact, and ice impact, etc.
In sum, the sleeves 14, 16 and removable collar assembly 20 of the
impact load deflector assembly 10 of the present invention are
designed to provide a means of protecting fence cables 12 and posts
13. Without such protection, a conventional rock fall protection
fence frequently fails upon impact from large falling rocks
spinning at a high angular velocity and with an immense momentum,
as demonstrated in many rock fall-induced fence failures. The
sleeves 14, 16 embrace a cable 12 or post 13 to deflect falling
rocks spinning at a high angular velocity and associated impact
forces and, thereby, protect them by avoiding detrimental blows
from the falling rocks. The removable collar assembly 20 is used
when two different-size sleeves are used avoiding a smaller sleeve
14 from slipping into a larger sleeve 16 and to assure the
protection the sleeves 14, 16 are designed. The washers 18 between
the small sleeves 14 allow the small sleeves 14 to spin better when
hit. Additionally, the removable collar assembly 20 enhances the
constructability and eases the maintenance of a rock fall
mitigation fence system. The sleeves 14, 16 together with the
removable collar assembly 20 embraces the fence cable and post,
provides a means of their protection, and enhances the safety of
traveling motorists.
It should be noted that the removable collar assembly 20 is
designed and shaped such that none of the sleeves 14, 16 overlap
with the removable collar assembly 20. It should also be noted that
the sleeves 14, 16 are free from connection with the removable
collar assembly 20 such that the sleeves 14, 16 and the removable
collar assembly 20 are independently rotatable from each other.
In sum, when falling from the hill/mountain top or slope, a falling
rock gains momentum as it rolls down the slope. The rock is
rotating at a very high angular velocity and cuts the cable 12 like
a saw blade. When it comes in contact with a RFMFS, the rock
rotates at an extremely high angular velocity, can sever
fence-supporting cables, and knocks out or severely bends fence
posts, cuts anything it touches. The cable protection sleeve 14, 16
rotates when struck by a rock moving at high velocity and with or
without angular momentum. Because the rock statistically does not
hit the cable 12 or the sleeves 14, 16 exactly at the center of
gravity, the sleeve 14, 16 rotates giving the cable 12 the time to
move and allow the rock to go around the cable and not cutting the
highly tensioned cable 12. Without the sleeve 14, 16, the cable 12
is cut and the fence fails allow the rock to continue on towards
roads, buildings or other features that the fence is designed to
protect. Tests conducted by CDOT on the ILD sleeves verified that
rotating rocks are deflected by cables protected by the ILD sleeves
and are cut by the same rocks under the same conditions without the
ILD sleeves.
The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred
embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the
drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and
alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been
so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by
those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail
may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and
scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention
is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the
prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein, may be
suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which
are disclosed herein.
* * * * *